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Norma's page
A Glimpse of China October 2006
The photographs [click on any of the thumbnails in the text to go to a larger picture]I chose were reflections on the diversity and contrasts in 
China and on the itinerary itself. From the formal aspects of Beijing's Forbidden City with its wonderful architecture and decorations to the (misty) day I took a picture at the Great Wall at Badaling. The visit to Xi'an and the Terracotta Army was overwhelming followed by the Xi'an museum and a tranquil Buddhist temple.
Our time in the mountains was magical - providing you were prepared to rough it a little. All the basics were there, good company, a shared goal (find a wild Panda in situ) and
supportive and very friendly staff. This combined with plentiful local cooking, lots of fresh air and exercise and wonderful scenery made for a memorable and unique experience. That said, if I had known the amount of walking/scrambling we would do I would have made more of an effort to get fit before I went. Not that we didn't get time to relax or slow down. As it was the challenge to keep up with the fitter members at times left me feeling healthily invigorated by the end of our stay. Our last meal at a local farm in the mountains was another enjoyable occasion to remember.
A brief stay at the WWF Panda hotel on our return from the mountains in comparative luxury (an ensuite shower, AND washhand basin, AND indoor toilet) just completed that part of the trip. Parting from our guides Forby and Jane was the hard bit, I think we all felt a little choked. Having Zoe our tour Manager with us for a while longer was a treat for us as she took such good care of us all. I shan't forget her and wish her and all her staff all the best for the future.
Our trip past foggy Chonqing and through the Three Gorges was a wonderful chance to see another beautiful aspect of China. I felt some ambivalence about the effects of the Great Dam Project on this area and how the rising waters affected the local population and environment.
A side trip on the Shennong River through the Three Little Gorges was further enlivened by the "singing" of our group (to the amusement of our guides) as we were pulled over the shallows by the river boatmen.
Then it was on to the gardens of Suzhou from Shanghai. A lot of these were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution which nobody in China wanted to 
talk about. Despite the groups of tourists the tranquility and beauty there was very relaxing.
That was one aspect of this trip which could be stressful for me, the packed schedule which left little time "to stand and stare". Quite a few things were added on once we got there and there was an element of "having" to go on EVERY tour and to be "talked at" a lot. Admittedly some of it was very interesting and educational but …
The trip finished in ultra modern Shanghai, especially the Bund area. This contrasted with Tai chi in the local parks and numerous little shops and alleyways. A fascinating "glimpse of China" all round.